In small group we have been studying the book of Romans. As part of the discussion this week the question was posed “What would others say of you and your character?”. We were reflecting on Romans chapter 16, which is Pauls conclusion of his letter to the church of Rome. He begins the end of his communication with a list of greetings that are paired with something note worthy about the person being greeted:

16:3 “Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.”

16:7: “Greet Andronicus and June, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.” 

These are people who have high integrity and character as the “churches are grateful to them” and they are “outstanding among the apostles”. This is some high praise here! It got us thinking, what would Paul have said about us as his fellow servants of Christ? We reflected on this for a moment in silence and then the idea to give it a try ourselves came up. We each chose someone in the room and came up with a similar greeting of admonishment for them. It was a beautiful way to reflect on Pauls intent in this part of the letter and also be reminded that our character matters. It also caused me to pause and think “how often do we admonish one another in this way?” To really sit and reflect and intentionally lift one another up as we see good qualities in others? Are we quick to tear down or intentional to build up?

I have been using this phrase with my own kids for the past few weeks: “are your words giving your sibling life or are your words tearing them down?” and I think it goes right along with the message here in what Paul is writing in his greetings.

I have so much more to say about this but I just want this post to be one for your own reflection on the matter. Can I challenge you to sit in quiet prayer today with the Lord and mull over these things with Him?

Lets consider these verses as we reflect on our own hearts today:

James 1:19 “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,”

1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…”

Proverbs 15:4 “The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”

Lord we thank you for those you have put into our lives. Help us to be examples of your love and grace through our words and actions. May they see you in our lives and by our example may they know you more. Guard our tongues from evil ways and keep our speech pure and free from malice and gossip. It can be so easy to satisfy the flesh but you tell us that this is not the way to live; but rather to build up those around us with truth and life. Protect us from the temptation to speak anything but good things. Give us opportunity to lift another up today and may we be obedient when the moment arises. Thank you for your loving instructions and for empowering us to follow you. In Jesus mighty name, Amen.